Salford keep eye on Hooper

ST HELENS Australian star Jason Hooper could be on his way out of Knowsley Road at the end of the season. It is understood Saints' bosses are reluctant to offer him an extended deal and Salford City Reds are among a number of clubs monitoring developments.

ST HELENS Australian star Jason Hooper could be on his way out of Knowsley Road at the end of the season. It is understood Saints' bosses are reluctant to offer him an extended deal and Salford City Reds are among a number of clubs monitoring developments.

Reds are chasing a top class half-back for next season and Hooper fits the bill with director Steve Simms saying: "Obviously if a player of Hooper's class is about to become available, we would definitely take a look at signing him - who wouldn't?

"For now, though, all we can do is wait and see what happens - it may be a case of his agent soon contacting clubs to confirm his availability if he is to leave Saints."

Saints themselves have been busy targeting Bradford centre Leon Pryce and Sydney Roosters' forward Jason Cayless, who has the same agent as Hooper.

Hooper is currently sidelined for six weeks with a shoulder injury sustained in the Challenge Cup win over Wigan.

Earlier this season, Reds checked out the availability of Wigan stand-off Danny Orr and were tentatively linked with Hull's Paul Cooke, who has just signed a new three-year deal. Another possibility open to Salford could be Warrington's veteran half-back Nathan Wood, who was graded as a youngster by Simms.

Hooper has already been linked with Wigan and several top Australian clubs have expressed an interest in taking him back to the NRL.

Saints are soon expected to announce the signing of Pryce and Cayless, who has worked closely in the past with coach Daniel Anderson.